INNOVATION UPDATES
Technology Enablement for Older Adults (TEA)
As of 2019, 31.9% of older adults still did not use the Internet – a staggering percentage that would prove even more problematic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), virtual care jumped from 1.6% of total ambulatory visits in the second quarter of 2019 to 70.6% in the second quarter of 2020; according to AgeWell, 66% of older adults in Canada have felt isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the same percentage of older adults believe technology advances can help to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on daily life.
Getting older adults to take charge of their digital literacy journey is by no means an easy task, but it is necessary and possible in today's world. In alignment with Baycrest's values, we also see this task as a moral responsibility to our community. Therefore, as a response to this crisis, BIO - in collaboration with various partners across campus and beyond - developed the 'Technology Enablement for Older Adults' (TEA) program. Click below to learn more about the initiative.
What is the TEA program?
How did Baycrest's deep domain expertise contribute to the creation and scaling of TEA?
What were the outcomes of the TEA program?
What should I do if I've identified needs or opportunities for the TEA program?
Introducing the Ohmni Robot!
*Video below is an example of a telepresence robot being used in a clinical setting.
POTENTIAL USE CASES AT BAYCREST
We are consulting with telemedicine experts and enthusiasts across campus to explore ways the robot can be used in a similar capacity to the t-Cart without requiring as much or any assistance. Those who wish to monitor a patient or resident remotely can simply log in and drive the robot to the patient's room. As well, Baycrest's Pharmacy department is currently developing a tele-pharmacy pilot program in conjunction with BIO. Furthermore, telepresence robots are ideal for providing virtual tours of campuses.
WHAT IS IT?
The Ohmni robot is a lightweight telepresence robot, which allows its user to control it from a remote location. Users simply need to log into a secure site, press certain keyboard functions to move the robot forward or turn it right or left, and adjust the camera to look upwards or downwards. Users can see different rooms with its high-definition, wide-angle camera and far-field microphone and speaker. In addition, the screen tilts, providing a better view than a fixed screen.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Stop by our office for a cup of coffee or contact us at innnovation@baycrest.org and share your thoughts and ideas for the robot, request a demo, or suggest a name for the robot! Let us know if you have additional uses in mind for the robot and would like to test it out with your team.
Therapists Have Begun Delivering GMT Virtually
Hundreds of therapists have been trained to deliver GMT with the support of the Ontario Together Fund. A new subscription-based website for therapists has also been created with the support of BIO.
“With the support of the Ontario Together Fund, we have enhanced access to our evidence-based cognitive intervention, Goal Management Training® (GMT), to make it available for use in clinics, hospitals and the community through the development of new, easy-to-access online resources. With access to this highly effective treatment along with other supports, we can help those suffering with the longer-term effects of COVID-19 recover and return to their normal lives faster." - Dr. Brian Levine
Key features for clinicians and researchers include:
- Virtual training on a newly developed training platform, plus a live training workshop, to equip therapists with the knowledge and resources required for running GMT through telemedicine.
- A new website to serve as a central hub for therapists, which includes user outreach membership onboarding, GMT training, resource hosting, access and community engagement. (available now)
- Online patient-focused resources, including interactive complex tasks and activities, as well as a digital GMT workbook. Parallel resources will be available in hard copy, recognizing that comfort with and access to computers may vary. (available now)
TECH SUPPORT @
BAYCREST TERRACES
As BIO explores options to scale the TEA program, we've acknowledged that older adults in our community need tailored, in-person support on their digital literacy journey as well.
To address this unmet need, Baycrest has launched a tech support service, currently being offered at Baycrest Terraces. For a small hourly fee, residents can schedule a technology support session with an expert who will explain how to use their device to make video calls, browse the web, and more.
Launched in September, residents at Baycrest Terraces have been booking technology support sessions every week! Due to the program's success, Baycrest is expanding this service to additional locations such as Two Neptune Drive. If there are opportunities to launch a technology support service elsewhere within the Baycrest community, let us know by emailing us at innovation@baycrest.org
As medication management is often a significant and complex concern for caregivers and older individuals living alone, Baycrest@Home has designed a service to help address it. In order to reduce concerns that an older adult or family caregiver may have when caring for themselves or for their loved one, this service offers remote learning and access, as well as actionable recommendations from clinical experts. This medication management service includes:
Access to a learning platform containing educational modules for medication management and other content specifically designed for caregivers.
A virtual consultation with a Baycrest pharmacist who will complete a review of the care recipient's medications and recommendations to support their medication management and adherence.
Access to a Baycrest@Home social worker who will also follow up with the caregiver and recipient throughout the 6 months.
BIO recently held an Innovation Rounds webinar that provided actionable insights and tips surrounding. Click here to watch a recording of the event.
Limited spots are available for this pilot! If you are someone you know is interested in participating, please fill out this form.
MEDICATION
MANAGEMENT
PILOT
Improve Your Results and Outcomes With This Simple, Yet Effective, Innovation Tool: Start With 'Why'
At the core of everything we do at Baycrest is our 'why': we bring life to years. While ‘starting with why’ may not always be easy, we believe it is an important tool for thinking differently with regards to what we do and how we do it. The following video will guide you through the process of starting with why. We highly encourage you to share your ‘why’ with us below!
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“Why” isn’t just a word, it’s a powerful concept. In this telling talk, Simon Sinek demonstrates why organizations guided by this concept will succeed more often than those which don’t.
- Tell Us Your 'Why'!Share your "why" with us and enter your chance to win an Amazon Echo!
In the Next Innovation Updates Issue...
We'll cover news about:
- the new, preferred vaccine distribution model
- virtual Cafe Europa
- Smart Suites and the Possibilities Model for the Memory Care Unit
- virtual reality
- novel features available on MyChartTM
- much more!
Come Say Hi!
Book a time below and stop by our office, 2E06A (the old Hospital Library), Tuesdays to Thursdays from 12 to 1pm. You can also use the sign-up sheet on our door to schedule a tour. Please give us a minimum of 24 hours to confirm your tour timeslot.
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